Application of the Kirkpatrick Model in Evaluation of the Educational Prevention Program of Self-Medication in Women

Background & Objective: Self-medication is one of the chief health problems and educational programs on its prevention are very important. An educational program can be considered effective, if it can make the necessary changes in participants’ knowledge and behavior. The aim of this study was to evaluate the educational prevention program of self-medication in women using the Kirkpatrick model. Methods: This evaluation study was carried out on 88 women. The cluster sampling method was used. The data collection tools consisted of the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) and a researcher-made questionnaire based on the Kirkpatrick model, the validity and reliability of which were measured. The experimental group attended the educational program for 1 month. The effectiveness rate of the course was calculated based on significant differences in learning, reaction, and behavior scores of the case and control groups during the pre-test and posttest. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS statistical software using descriptive and analytical statistical tests. Results: The mean scores of desirability rate of participants’ reactions in terms of students’ perception of learning environment, students’ academic self-perception, students’ social selfperception, students’ perception of atmosphere, and students’ perception of teachers were 44.81 ± 7.06, 31.50 ± 4.11, 22.50 ± 3.54, 43.10 ± 7.46, and 41.37 ± 5.20, respectively. After the educational intervention, t-test results showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in mean score of knowledge change and attitude change in the second evaluation level, and also between mean score of behavior change in the third level (P < 0.001). Conclusion: According to the Kirkpatrick model, the educational prevention program of selfmedication resulted in favorable outcomes in the three evaluated levels of reaction, learning, and behavior, and showed satisfactory efficiency. Key Words: Kirkpatrick model, Evaluation, Self-medication, Education